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Moped Thief Rammed Off Bike by Elite Police Unit
19 Feb
Summary
- Elite police interceptors use advanced tactics to stop phone thieves.
- London sees a 12.3% decline in phone theft cases last year.
- Criminals recruit children as young as 14 for phone theft operations.
The Metropolitan Police's specialist 'interceptor' unit is showcasing dramatic successes in combating phone theft across London. Recent footage revealed officers using high-tech tools, including drones and e-bikes, to pursue and apprehend suspected thieves. In one instance, an offender was deliberately rammed off his moped by a police car, leading to his arrest. This surge in activity coincides with a notable decrease in phone offenses; last year saw a 12.3% reduction, with 10,000 fewer cases reported.
This crackdown has uncovered a disturbing trend where organized criminal networks are recruiting young individuals, some as young as 14, to steal phones. These recruits are often paid hundreds of pounds, with advertisements appearing on social media. Police have made numerous arrests, with 20 suspects already charged and more expected. Recoveries include over 1,000 mobile phones and 200 laptops destined for export.
Metropolitan Police leadership has expressed frustration with repeat offenders being granted bail too frequently. Efforts are underway to dismantle these criminal networks, from street-level thieves to international export operations. Commander Andrew Featherstone noted that in specific hotspots like the West End, thefts have already fallen by 30% since April of the previous year, underscoring the effectiveness of these advanced pursuit tactics and technology.
